This is a full digital scrapbook layout created entirely on the computer. This is the other end of the spectrum from simply adding brushes and overlays to your photos, printing them out, and adding them to your paper layouts.

Take a deep breath before reading below. Once you get the hang of these they are super fun and easy but can definitely be a bit of a challenge in the beginning.

What is a layered template? I like to think of a layered template as an interactive map. "Interactive" is the key word because it is not like a sketch in that you use it simply as an example, rather it is literally the layout you add your elements to on your computer. Everything is laid out for you in advance (you can follow it exactly or you can move things around - those choices are completely up to you).

When you look at the image above there are a bunch of different shapes. Each of the shapes can be "replaced" with a photo or patterned paper by following the instructions below. Each of these shapes lives on it's own layer in the layer palette.

The best thing about these templates is that you don't have to stare at a blank slate if you don't want to - these are there as a guide to give you some direction. From there you get to customize/choose your own papers, colors, etc (compared to a Quick Page where all the patterned papers, theme, etc are already chosen for you).

As with everything I have talked about this week there is a bit of a learning curve.

Here's a basic screen shot how-to for working with layered templates: [ Note that I am sure there are more than one way to work with these templates - these are the steps I take to put my layout together. ]

1. Open the .PSD file in Photoshop. You do need to have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements to work with these layered templates. One of the keys here is that this is a LAYERED TEMPLATE meaning that none of the layers have been flattened or merged together. You can see each individual layer in the long palette above. Each element has it's own layer.

2. Choose a patterned paper you want to include on your layout and open it.

3. Drag and drop the patterned paper onto the layered template (you can also use copy + paste). In the layers palette, move the patterned paper layer to the spot directly above the area you want to place the patterned paper. One thing to know: the layers palette goes from top to bottom. The elements at the top of the list are on the top of the pile of layers in your layout.

4. With the patterned paper layer selected, on my Mac I hit "option + command + g." Hitting those keys will "clip" the patterned paper into that little shape. On a PC the keyboard shortcut to create a "clipping mask" is "control + g." You can also master this same task by going to the top of the layer palette. There you will find a drop down menu in the upper right corner. With the photo/paper layer selected choose 'group with previous' and it will 'clip' the patterned paper to the shape of the layer below.

Repeat this same process for all the places you want to add patterned paper.

5. Follow the exact same steps as above for adding your photos.

6. Drag and drop your photo onto the layered template. In the layer palette, move the photo layer (click + drag) to the spot on the list directly above the layer you want to clip the photo into.

7. Repeat step 4 (above) to clip the photo onto/into the layer.

And that's pretty much it. Seriously, once I got the hang of this I was really excited about how easy it was. The most challenging part becomes choosing the patterned paper to use!

If you are interested in checking out my of my layered templates at Designer Digitals go here.

Need to read someone else's words or get more information? Check out these layered template tutorials:

• Taylor Made Designs (includes a free template to download and try out as you follow along with the instructions - very detailed step by step with great screenshots)

1. Adjust the size to 8x8 and print from home.
2. Upload to a service like scrapbookpictures.com, Shutterfly, or Costco. They can print these as 12x12 and you can add them right into your albums.

Here's the layout above the was re-sized to 8x8 for printing at home:

This layout will go right into my 3-ring albums. I may adhere it to a piece of cardstock so it will fit in a 12x12 or 8.5x11 page protector, or I will cut + stitch a page protector to fit.

I am actually really excited about the possibilities here. I love that this is simply another option I have in telling my stories. I love that these layouts go right into my albums, complementing all the other stories that have been told in creative ways.